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Best Campgrounds near Fife Lake, MI

1,013 Reviews

Camping areas around Fife Lake, Michigan encompass a variety of public lands and established facilities within the northern Lower Peninsula. Old US-131 State Forest Campground provides rustic sites along the Manistee River, while Spring Lake State Forest Campground offers primitive camping with lake views. The area supports tent camping, RV sites with varying hookup levels, and cabin accommodations at places like Manton Trails RV Park. Sand Lakes Quiet Area features backcountry tent sites for those seeking more solitude, with most campgrounds positioned along waterways or within forested settings.

Many State Forest campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with rustic amenities including vault toilets and hand-pump water. The camping season typically runs from May through October, though some sites remain accessible year-round depending on snow conditions. The North Country Trail passes through several campgrounds, making them ideal for backpackers following this long-distance route. The Fife Lake Loop, a popular hiking trail, connects with Spring Lake State Forest Campground and offers multiday hiking opportunities. "Spring Lake State Forest Campground is perfect for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop. It's about 10ish miles north of the southern portion of the loop and is the perfect place to spend the night before continuing the loop the next day."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly along the Manistee River which provides opportunities for paddling and fishing. Sites at Old US-131 State Forest Campground are described as spacious and wooded, offering good separation between campers. Several visitors note the quiet atmosphere at most campgrounds, particularly during weekdays and in spring or fall. A visitor described Old US-131 as "a fantastic little campground, right on the Manistee River" with sites that are "spacious and wooded, gorgeous colors in the fall." Traffic noise affects some campgrounds located near highways, with Spring Lake campground occasionally receiving road noise from nearby M-66. Cell service varies throughout the region, with spotty coverage in more remote forest campgrounds but generally sufficient connectivity at developed campground options closer to towns.

Map showing campgrounds near Fife Lake, MichiganExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Fife Lake, Michigan (248)

    1. Traverse City State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5270

    "Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."

    "Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."

    2. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    21 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 947-2770

    $60 - $260 / night

    "We stayed here in our little offroad teardrop camper which looked like David & Goliath when contrasted against the massive 5th wheels surrounding us."

    "There is a pool, jump pad, miles and miles of mountain biking trails and hiking trails, a man made lake which has some inflatable water toys."

    3. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park

    34 Reviews
    Interlochen, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 276-9511

    $20 / night

    "Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."

    "Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."

    4. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    10 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    10 miles
    Website

    "Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.

    This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park."

    "great spots near lakeside

    hiking nearby

    quiet, hardly saw anyone"

    5. Old US-131 State Forest Campground

    6 Reviews
    Fife Lake, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-9727

    "The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other."

    "it was cold and rainy so we passed on hiking. we decided instead to drive around and explore the traverse city area and some of the dog friendly parts of sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore. had a great"

    6. Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Fife Lake, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 857-8000

    $25 - $55 / night

    "There is plenty of walking area to get some exercise for yourself and dogs.

    I would highly recommend making this campground one to park your camper at!!!👍"

    "This campground is centrally located to everything that’s going on, on the west side of the state. Whether it’s trail riding, Traverse City Cherry festival or hanging in the town of Manton."

    7. Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Kingsley, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5280

    "It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy."

    "I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents."

    8. Spring Lake State Forest Campground

    3 Reviews
    Fife Lake, MI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-7911

    $20 / night

    "Pretty good campground other than it’s right off M-66 and you can hear the traffic, but the campground is clean and nice, right on spring lake with easy access if you like to boat, kayak, or fish."

    "However, it is perfect for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop."

    9. Whitewater Township Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 413-1160

    $45 - $60 / night

    "This park is situated up on a hill on beautiful Elk Lake. Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used."

    "The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend."

    10. Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

    3 Reviews
    Fife Lake, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 857-8000

    $25 - $55 / night

    "We rented a extra site, so nobody could rent near us, sooo nice! Very close to Manistee River and canoe/raft liveries, very fun family togetherness activity."

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Recent Camping Photos near Fife Lake, MI

427 Photos of 248 Fife Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fife Lake, MI

1013 Reviews of 248 Fife Lake Campgrounds

  • Ken D.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Best to look at other Higgins Lake camping options

    Not what your camping experience should be…the male owner is rude, disrespectful, and completely unbecoming of a campground host— showers…yep, but the he prefers to lock them, porta pots…yep, but locks them too…camp store…yep, good luck getting service, need ice? Ice machine never has bags of ice,  horrible customer service.   His wife openly condones his rude behavior and they both lack any skills required to serve the camping customers and their needs.  It is crystal clear this is how they choose to run the place.  Ya, look elsewhere.

    When you pull in, it looks like a junkyard…old construction equipment parked for years covered in blue shrink wrap is one of the first things you see upon arrival, overall its a dirty unkept park.  Why? They cant keep help because they are rude to staff as well.

    Your camping experience should be one of relaxation and having a pleasant, welcoming host.  Unfortunately, you will not find that at the great circle campground.

    Stay away and look elsewhere!

  • Jade M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Lime Lake

    good spot

    little tricky to get to but if you have a vehicle good for two tracking you shoukd be fine. we stayed at the 5th spot we seen because it is an active location. spots were occupied and a few cars drove passed us. the 5th spot is kinda next to a walking trail so we did have a couple and a dog walk past but not late at night. be aware of poison ivy. there is a handmade fire ring. it’s by water but not too buggy. from the looks of it it’s a one way rd in but not too sure. when leaving it is off a private estate rd so there are no trespassing signs but obviously if you don’t rip down the path and keep it clean and respectful you should be find to drive out. we stayed during hunting season and heard gun shots so wear orange if going in season.

  • Craig S.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Horrible RV Park - Beware!

    Recently visited as we were competitors in Empire Hill Climb. Had an issue w our group this weekend that I’ve never experienced in 40 yrs of camping. Stayed here for 3 nights. Unfortunately, after an incident one of the families we were with was kicked out. Never heard of being kicked out of a campground before without any prior warning. I will admit we had issue w one of our 5yr olds. The family I mentioned was camping in a pop up. They utilize a 5 gallon bucket to urinate in. Well, on the first full morning apparently the 5yr old dumped the bucket on the ground outside the camper. Others saw this and reported it. Again, we know we/he was in the wrong. However, clearly the 5 yr old thought they were helping and didn’t know the magnitude of their actions. With that said, he is 5 and made a mistake. Steve, the manager showed up after the report and kicked them out without a conversation had. His exact words were“ you have an hour to leave or I’m calling the sheriff.” Mind you this is a family w 3 little ones. Was sooo taken back by this comment. Been visiting Glen Arbor for 40 yrs and will never be back to Indigo Bluffs. If you don’t have money, 100k camper, and/or retired stay away at all cost, all they care about. 2.5 miles down Street is lovely brand new RV campground, Lively Acres Campground. Stay there if you want to your family treated right.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Government Landing Campground

    Nice offseason spot

    You have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters. Very spacious and spread out sites. Many sites were full when I came on a crappy weather Thursday night in early September. Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond. Pond was warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Friendly Staff

    Staff was super helpful (loaned me a bear box) and friendly. Checkout was flexible. Lots of sites close together but each had plenty of space and flat ground. Ground soft enough for tent pegs. Each site has picnic table and fire pit. Bathroom and water fountain within easy walking distance. Fairly full on crappy weather Friday in early September. Very windy.

  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Camp Grayling Trailer Park

    Great RV park

    This is a military base and need proper identification to enter. The sites are well maintained (sand pads). The beach area is well maintained and relaxing. The wireless internet is GREAT! Also have cell coverage. Clean and quite for only $20 per night (cash or check only). The camp site manager (Tim) was fantastic!

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Quiet is right!

    Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.

    This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.

    From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.

    I’d love to come again.

  • K
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Awesome facility. Shaded sites that are good size. We have a 23' travel trailer and has plenty of room. Full hook ups including sewer make it very convenient.

Guide to Fife Lake

Camping near Fife Lake, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the outdoors: Many campers enjoy hiking and biking on nearby trails. For instance, one reviewer at Hartwick Pines State Park Campground mentioned, "There are many walking trails and bike trails too," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing opportunities: If you love fishing, you’re in luck! Campers at Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park rave about the area, saying, "Lots to do outside of the campground in that general area as well, hiking trails and fishing opportunities everywhere."
  • Enjoy the beach: Many campgrounds near Fife Lake have access to beautiful beaches. A camper at South Higgins Lake State Park Campground noted, "The beach is amazing, the views awesome," highlighting the scenic spots you can enjoy.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor at Barnes County Park Campground said, "They clean the bathrooms multiple times a day which is nice."
  • Friendly atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the welcoming vibe at the campgrounds. A reviewer at Indigo Bluffs RV Park shared, "Nice campgrounds, clean restroom and showers. Swimming pool very nice friendly staff."
  • Spacious sites: Campers often mention the roomy campsites. A visitor at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort remarked, "We had a lovely, shaded, level, spacious site which most of them seemed to be."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or airports. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned, "There are cars passing by frequently, but less in the evening."
  • Site proximity: Campsites can be close together, which may not suit everyone. A visitor at Barnes County Park Campground noted, "Sites are pretty close together in some locations."
  • Booking challenges: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly. A camper at South Higgins Lake State Park Campground warned, "When it comes to booking, it’s impossible to get a spot somehow they’re already booked before they even allowed to be booked."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds and activities for children. A reviewer at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, "There is a ton of stuff to do there."
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Indigo Bluffs RV Park mentioned, "Grocery and firewood 3 minutes down the road!"
  • Choose a spacious site: Look for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A visitor at Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park appreciated the "quiet and everyone who was around us was super nice and friendly."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort noted, "The campground was large - it’s actually two parts - an RV resort for large fifth wheels and Class As."
  • Be prepared for leveling: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A visitor at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort mentioned, "The lots were not very level so the setup was a bit more difficult."
  • Explore nearby attractions: Many campgrounds are close to fun local spots. A reviewer at Indigo Bluffs RV Park highlighted, "It is also close to a trailhead for the Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Bike Trail."

Camping near Fife Lake, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you want to relax by the water or explore the woods, you’ll find a spot that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Fife Lake camping areas?

Camping areas around Fife Lake offer a variety of amenities. Old US-131 State Forest Campground provides spacious, wooded campsites with Manistee River access for kayaking and fishing. The North Country Trail and Fife Lake Loop trailhead are located right in the campground. At Thurston Park Campground, you'll find lakefront sites with fishing and paddling access, plus a playground adjacent to the campground. Most sites in the area are rustic but well-maintained, featuring fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though amenities vary by specific location.

Where is Fife Lake campground located in Michigan?

Fife Lake is located in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Two popular camping options in the Fife Lake area include Old US-131 State Forest Campground and Spring Lake State Forest Campground. These campgrounds are situated near the North Country Trail and the Fife Lake Loop trail system. The area provides access to the Manistee River, making it a convenient base for hiking, fishing, and kayaking activities.

Are reservations required for camping at Fife Lake?

Reservations are not required at many campgrounds around Fife Lake. Spring Lake State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. This makes it particularly convenient for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop, as they can stop for the night without prior planning. For more options with reservation systems, Traverse City State Park Campground is available within driving distance. It's advisable to arrive early during peak summer months and weekends to secure a spot at the first-come, first-served campgrounds.

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